Interlocking joint wine rack

ABSTRACT

A wine rack comprises a reticulated lattice defining an X direction and a Y-Z plane orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts extending in the X direction and a plurality of connecting rods extending in the Y-Z plane. The posts and the connecting rods are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space for receiving at least one wine bottle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an interlocking joint wine rack. In particular, the present invention relates to an interlocking joint wine rack that defines a plurality of prismatic receiving spaces for receiving wine bottles.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,503 to Johnson issued on Dec. 29, 1987 discloses an interlocking joint wine rack that defines a plurality of cubic receiving spaces for receiving wine bottles without the use of fasteners or adhesives. The time and cost for assembling the members for constructing a wine rack are both reduced, yet the members have different shapes and require troublesome processing to form the grooves in the members. Further, the assembling speed could be further increased if the members for constructing the wine rack are properly designed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an interlocking joint wine rack that defines a plurality of prismatic receiving spaces for receiving wine bottles, wherein the time for assembling a wine rack is comparatively short and the members for constructing the wine rack have simple structures.

[0006] A wine rack in accordance with the present invention comprises a reticulated lattice defining an X direction and a Y-Z plane orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts extending in the X direction and a plurality of connecting rods extending in the Y-Z plane. The posts and the connecting rods are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space for receiving at least one wine bottle.

[0007] Each post includes a first end and a second end. The first ends of all of the posts are located in the Y-Z plane. The second ends of all of the posts are also located in the Y-Z plane. Each of the first end and the second end of each post has at least six annularly arranged holes that are spaced apart by an angle that is N-fold of 15 degrees, wherein N is an integral.

[0008] Each connecting rod has a first end that is releasably engaged in one of the holes of an associated one of the first end and the second end of an associated one of the posts. Each connecting rod further has a second end that is releasably engaged in one of the holes of an associated of the first end and the second end of another associated one of the posts that is adjacent to the associated one of the posts.

[0009] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a portion of the interlocking joint wine rack in FIG. 1

[0012]FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating another interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a further interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a side view of an interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a side view of an interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a side view of an interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a circled portion in FIG. 7.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a side view of another interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a circled portion in FIG. 8.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a side view of a further interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of a circled portion in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a wine rack in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a reticulated lattice 10 defining an X direction and a Y-Z plane orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice 10 is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts 1 a and a plurality of connecting rods 2.

[0023] Each post 1 a extends in the X direction and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first ends 11 of all of the posts 1 a are located in the Y-Z plane, and the second ends 12 of all of the posts 1 a are also located in the Y-Z plane, best shown in FIG. 1. Each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of each post 1 a has six (6) annularly arranged holes 13 that are spaced apart by 60 degrees.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, each connecting rod 2 extends in the Y-Z plane and has a first end 21 that is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of an associated one of the posts 1 a. Each connecting rod 2 further has a second end 21 that is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of another associated one of the posts 1 a that is adjacent to the associated one of the posts 1 a.

[0025] Thus, the posts 1 a and the connecting rods 2 are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space 3 for receiving at least one wine bottle 4. It is noted that each prismatic receiving space 3 has a cross-section that is an equilateral triangle.

[0026]FIG. 3 illustrates another interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the first embodiment using the connecting rods 2 and the post 1 a including two llama ends 11 and 12 each having six holes. FIG. 4 illustrates a further interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the first embodiment using the connecting rods 2 and the post 1 a including two ends 11 and 12 each having six holes. Each prismatic receiving space 3 also has a cross-section that is an equilateral triangle.

[0027]FIG. 5 illustrates a wine rack in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the wine rack comprises a reticulated lattice 20 defining an X direction (not shown) and a Y-Z plane (not shown) orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice 20 is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts 1 b and a plurality of connecting rods 2 a and 2 b having different lengths.

[0028] Each post 1 b extends in the X direction and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first ends 11 of all of the posts 1 b are located in the Y-Z plane, and the second ends 12 of all of the posts 1 b are also located in the Y-Z plane. Each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of each post 1 b has eight (8) annularly arranged holes 13 that are spaced apart by 45 degrees.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, the posts 1 b and the connecting rods 2 a, 2 b are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space 3 for receiving at least one wine bottle 4. It is noted that each prismatic receiving space 3 has a cross-section that is an isosceles triangle. Each end of each connecting rod 2 a, 2 b is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of an associated one of the posts 1 b.

[0030]FIG. 6 illustrates a wine rack in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the wine rack comprises a reticulated lattice 30 defining an X direction (not shown) and a Y-Z plane (not shown) orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice 30 is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts 1 c and a plurality of connecting rods 2 c, 2 d, and 2 e having different lengths.

[0031] Each post 1 c extends in the X direction and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first ends 11 of all of the posts 1 c are located in the Y-Z plane, and the second ends 12 of all of the posts 1 c are also located in the Y-Z plane. Each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of each post 1 c has twelve (12) annularly arranged holes 13 that are spaced apart by 30 degrees.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, the posts 1 c and the connecting rods 2 c, 2 d, 2 e are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space 3 for receiving at least one wine bottle 4. It is noted that each prismatic receiving space 3 has a cross-section that is an angled triangle. Each end of each connecting rod 2 c, 2 d, 2 e is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of an associated one of the posts 1 c.

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates a wine rack in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the wine rack comprises a reticulated lattice defining an X direction (not shown) and a Y-Z plane (not shown) orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts 1 d and a plurality of connecting rods 2 having identical length.

[0034] Each post 1 d extends in the X direction and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first ends 11 of all of the posts 1 d are located in the Y-Z plane, and the second ends 12 of all of the posts 1 d are also located in the Y-Z plane. Each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of each post 1 d has twenty-four (24) annularly arranged holes 13 that are spaced apart by 15 degrees, best shown in FIG. 7A.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, the posts 1 d and the connecting rods 2 are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space 3 for receiving at least one wine bottle 4. It is noted that each prismatic receiving space 3 has a cross-section that is an equilateral triangle. Each end of each connecting rod 2 is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of an associated one of the posts 1 d.

[0036]FIG. 8 illustrates another wine rack in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the wine rack comprises a reticulated lattice defining an X direction (not shown) and a Y-Z plane (not shown) orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts 1 d and a plurality of connecting rods 2 a and 2 b having different lengths.

[0037] Each post 1 d extends in the X direction and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first ends 11 of all of the posts 1 d are located in the Y-Z plane, and the second ends 12 of all of the posts 1 d are also located in the Y-Z plane. Each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of each post 1 d has twenty-four (24) annularly arranged holes 13 that are spaced apart by 15 degrees, best shown in FIG. 8A.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 8, the posts 1 d and the connecting rods 2 a and 2 b are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space 3 for receiving at least one wine bottle 4. It is noted that each prismatic receiving space 3 has a cross-section that is an isosceles triangle. Each end of each connecting rod 2 a, 2 b is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of an associated one of the posts 1 d.

[0039]FIG. 9 illustrates another wine rack in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the wine rack comprises a reticulated lattice defining an X direction (not shown) and a Y-Z plane (not shown) orthogonal to the X direction. The reticulated lattice is comprised of a plurality of spaced posts 1 d and a plurality of connecting rods 2 c, 2 d, and 2 e having different lengths.

[0040] Each post 1 d extends in the X direction and includes a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first ends 11 of all of the posts 1 d are located in the Y-Z plane, and the second ends 12 of all of the posts 1 d are also located in the Y-Z plane. Each of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of each post 1 d has twenty-four (24) annularly arranged holes 13 that are spaced apart by 15 degrees, best shown in FIG. 9A.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, the posts 1 d and the connecting rods 2 c, 2 d, and 2 e are constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space 3 for receiving at least one wine bottle 4. It is noted that each prismatic receiving space 3 has a cross-section that is an angled triangle. Each end of each connecting rod 2 c, 2 d, 2 e is releasably engaged in one of the holes 13 of an associated one of the first end 11 and the second end 12 of an associated one of the posts 1 d.

[0042] Comparing the interlocking joint wine rack of U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,503 with the interlocking joint wine rack in accordance with the present invention, the time for assembling a wine rack in accordance with the present invention is comparatively short and the members for constructing the wine rack in accordance with the present invention have simple structures.

[0043] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wine rack comprising: a reticulated lattice defining an X direction and a Y-Z plane orthogonal to said X direction; said reticulated lattice being comprised of a plurality of spaced posts extending in said X direction and a plurality of connecting rods extending in said Y-Z plane, said posts and said connecting rods being constructed to form at least one prismatic receiving space for receiving at least one wine bottle; each said post including a first end and a second end, said first ends of all of said posts being located in said Y-Z plane, said second ends of all of said posts being located in said Y-Z plane, each of said first end and said second end of each said post having at least six annularly arranged holes that are spaced apart by an angle that is N-fold of 15 degrees, wherein N is an integral; each said connecting rod having a first end that is releasably engaged in one of said holes of an associated one of said first end and said second end of an associated one of said posts, each said connecting rod further having a second end that is releasably engaged in one of said holes of an associated of said first end and said second end of another associated one of said posts that is adjacent to said associated one of said posts.
 2. The wine rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first end and said second end of each said post has six holes that are spaced by 60 degrees.
 3. The wine rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first end and said second end of each said post has eight holes that are spaced by 45 degrees.
 4. The wine rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first end and said second end of each said post has twelve holes that are spaced by 30 degrees.
 5. The wine rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first end and said second end of each said post has twenty-four holes that are spaced by 15 degrees.
 6. The wine rack as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one prismatic receiving space having a cross-section that is an equilateral triangle.
 7. The wine rack as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one prismatic receiving space having a cross-section that is an isosceles triangle.
 8. The wine rack as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one prismatic receiving space having a cross-section that is an angled triangle.
 9. The wine rack as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one prismatic receiving space having a cross-section that is an equilateral triangle.
 10. The wine rack as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one prismatic receiving space having a cross-section that is an isosceles triangle.
 11. The wine rack as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one prismatic receiving space having a cross-section that is an angled triangle.
 12. The wine rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting rods have different lengths. 